A quick look around any real railroad or port will show a range of shipping containers stacked on trains, in yards, on ships, and on wharves. They will probably vary greatly in appearance as some will be reasonably new and others will be old and rusty perhaps with scrapes, dents, and even graffiti plastered all over them.

You might even spot some old shipping containers used to store goods on an industrial site or on a farm. This is because old shipping containers are relatively inexpensive to buy, they can be made very secure, and they are very easily modified (inside). That is why is can be an excellent idea to include scaled down shipping containers on a model railroad layout. They will add character and realism to any scene.

This short video shows the easy way to make model shipping containers that look extremely real. After downloading the PDF file you can print out any number you require.

http://www.modelbuildings.org/shipping-containers-B430.html

I’m sure you’ll agree that this scale model church looks very authentic and would fit nicely on most model railroads if the scene allows for it. Of course not every model railroad has a town, but most do. Watch this short video to see how it take shape from start to finish.It can be constructed in OO scale, in HO scale, or in N scale, or Z scale.

Have a go constructing this model church and send in a photo to have it published on the blog.

The plans can be downloaded from http://www.modelbuildings.org/church-B423.html

If you are looking for industries to model, chances are that you already have a railway route map in mind or you are just randomly doing this. It doesn’t matter what your plans are, the best way to find industries to model is using Google Map to locate the locations and get an aerial view of the railway layout in the area so that you can create the place as it is. Google maps will give you a 3D impression and better understanding on the depth of field, which is essential in creating models. The second step is to get some photographs online to closely inspect every detail of the industry and recreate it with ideal materials.

Many model railroad layouts feature a marshaling yard, mainline and branch line, maybe a harbor (with train ferry) and perhaps a town, an industry or two and some countryside or a river and mountains. The possibilities are endless. However, one thing most model railroads have in common is at least one or more engine sheds for locomotive storage and maintenance. This quick video shows a simple, inexpensive way to build an engine shed for your model trains. I comes in a concrete finish or a metal sheet finish. The http://www.modelbuildings.org/Engine-Shed-Workshop-B436.html website also has another engine shed design to choose from if you want to add more than one to your layout.

Steve asks readers this question:

“I am building a new N scale layout and want to include new york city like subway system, one that goes above and below ground . I have it all worked out except for realistic looking support for the elevated section. I have seen decal rivets to be added but no supports for the track in N scale. I have seen it in HO scale but not N scale. Does anyone have a suggestion as it is holding me up at this point, please help?”

Add your suggestions to help Steve.

This realistic looking barn with grain silo can be built in HO scale, OO scale, N scale, or in fact to any scale your want. These models look very authentic with much of the clever weathering techniques already done (although you can still add your own). They are a lot of fun to build and you can make as many as you want (for your own use) after downloading the plan. Have a go – you’ll enjoy making this barn and grain silo.

Click here to download this model railroad building plan.